Plug-on networked audio adapter

ABSTRACT

One embodiment provides an apparatus comprising an input connector directly mateable with a media device to receive an analog signal. The apparatus further comprises an amplifier configured to amplify the analog signal, an analog-to-digital converter configured to convert the analog signal to a digital signal, a network interface configured to convert the digital signal to a networked compliant digital signal compatible with at least one network protocol, and an output connector mateable with a standard network cable that transmits the networked compliant digital signal.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/265,057, filed on Dec. 9, 2015, incorporatedherein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

One or more embodiments relate generally to digital media networking,and in particular, a plug-on networked media adapter directly mateablewith a professional media product to output networked media compatiblewith a network protocol.

BACKGROUND

Electronic devices capable of receiving input may utilize networkprotocols, such as Digital Audio Network Through Ethernet (Dante), AudioVideo Bridging (AVB), Ravenna, or other network protocols that are notyet standardized. Different types of network protocols exist, butoperation of equipment may not be interchangeable.

SUMMARY

One embodiment provides an apparatus comprising an input connectordirectly mateable with a media device to receive an analog signal. Theapparatus further comprises an amplifier configured to amplify theanalog signal, an analog-to-digital converter configured to convert theanalog signal to a digital signal, a network interface configured toconvert the digital signal to a networked compliant digital signalcompatible with at least one network protocol, and an output connectormateable with a standard network cable that transmits the networkedcompliant digital signal.

Another embodiment provides a method comprising, at a networked mediaadapter, receiving an analog signal from a media device that is directlymated with an input connector of the adapter, amplifying the analogsignal, converting the analog signal to a digital signal, converting thedigital signal to a networked compliant digital signal compatible withat least one network protocol, and outputting the networked compliantdigital signal via an output connector of the adapter. The outputconnector is mateable with a standard network cable that transmits thenetworked compliant digital signal.

Another embodiment provides a network comprising a plurality of mediadevices, a plurality of plug-on networked media adapters, and aplurality of media equipment. Each plug-on networked media adapter isdirectly mated with one media device of the network to convert an analogsignal from the media device to a networked compliant digital signalcompatible with at least one network protocol. Each media equipmentreceives one or more networked compliant digital signals outputted byone or more plug-on networked media adapters of the network over one ormore standard network cables.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become understood with reference to the followingdescription, appended claims and accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is particularlypointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion ofthe specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, andadvantages of the invention are apparent from the following detaileddescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example plug-on networked media adapter, inaccordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example networked media adapter in detail, inaccordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example plug-on networked audio adapter, inaccordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example plug-on networked audio adapter in detail,in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example network comprising multiple networkedmedia devices, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of an example process for providing anetworked compliant digital signal, in accordance with one embodiment;and

FIG. 7 is a high-level block diagram showing an information processingsystem comprising a computer system useful for implementing thedisclosed embodiments.

The detailed description explains the preferred embodiments of theinvention together with advantages and features, by way of example withreference to the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more embodiments relate generally to digital media networking,and in particular, a plug-on networked media adapter directly mateablewith a professional media product to output networked media compatiblewith a network protocol. One embodiment provides an apparatus comprisingan input connector directly mateable with a media device to receive ananalog signal. The apparatus further comprises an amplifier configuredto amplify the analog signal, an analog-to-digital converter configuredto convert the analog signal to a digital signal, a network interfaceconfigured to convert the digital signal to a networked compliantdigital signal compatible with at least one network protocol, and anoutput connector mateable with a standard network cable that transmitsthe networked compliant digital signal.

Another embodiment provides a method comprising, at a networked mediaadapter, receiving an analog signal from a media device that is directlymated with an input connector of the adapter, amplifying the analogsignal, converting the analog signal to a digital signal, converting thedigital signal to a networked compliant digital signal compatible withat least one network protocol, and outputting the networked compliantdigital signal via an output connector of the adapter. The outputconnector is mateable with a standard network cable that transmits thenetworked compliant digital signal.

Another embodiment provides a network comprising a plurality of mediadevices, a plurality of plug-on networked media adapters, and aplurality of media equipment. Each plug-on networked media adapter isdirectly mated with one media device of the network to convert an analogsignal from the media device to a networked compliant digital signalcompatible with at least one network protocol. Each media equipmentreceives one or more networked compliant digital signals outputted byone or more plug-on networked media adapters of the network over one ormore standard network cables.

For expository purposes, the term “network protocol” as used hereinrefers to a communication protocol for transporting data (e.g., media,such as audio and/or video) through a network. There are different typesof network protocols. Examples of different types of network protocolsinclude, but are not limited to, Digital Audio Network Through Ethernet(Dante), Audio Video Bridging (AVB), Ravenna, etc. The terms “networkprotocol”, “network standard”, “network communication protocol”, and“network protocol configuration” may be used interchangeably in thisspecification.

For expository purposes, the term “networked compliant digital signal”as used herein refers to a digital signal (e.g., a digital media signal,such as a digital audio signal and/or a digital video signal) that iscompliant with at least one network protocol.

For expository purposes, the term “professional media product” as usedherein refers to a professional broadcast/media device/system, such as aprofessional audio device/system or a professional video device/system,etc. Examples of professional media products include, but are notlimited to, microphones, wireless microphones, etc.

For expository purposes, the term “standard network cable” as usedherein refers to a type of cable used in a computer network such asEthernet for transporting networked compliant digital signals throughthe network. Examples of standard network cables include, but are notlimited to, Category 5 (CAT5) cables, etc.

Conventionally, in digital audio networking, networked audio is suppliedutilizing one or more analog microphone cables (“analog mic cables”)connected to one or more breakout networked audio converter boxes(“breakout boxes”) in a delivery chain. The analog mic cables may besubject to unwanted electromagnetic interference (EMI) and limit signalperformance (i.e., capacitive loss of signals). Some techniques haveattempted miniaturization of circuits in professional audio devices,such as microphones, without success due to limitations in size/spaceand increased power consumption.

One or more embodiments provide a small, separate apparatus that isdirectly mateable with a professional media product to support digitalmedia conversion and network protocol conversion. In one embodiment, theapparatus is a plug-on networked media adapter. In one embodiment, theapparatus is a plug-on networked audio adapter that is directly mateablewith a professional audio device/system (e.g., a microphone) to supportdigital audio conversion and network audio protocol conversion.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example plug-on networked media adapter 100, inaccordance with one embodiment. The adapter 100 comprises a releasablymateable input connector 110 (FIG. 2) that is directly mateable with anoutput connector 51 (FIG. 2) of a media device 50. The media device 50comprises at least one professional media product (e.g., a microphone).In one embodiment, the adapter 100 is mateable with any type of existingprofessional media product.

As described in detail later herein, when the adapter 100 is mated withthe media device 50, the adapter 100 is configured to: (1) supply powerto the media device 50 to power on the media device 50, (2) receive ananalog signal from the media device 50 (e.g., an analog microphone levelsignal if the media device 50 comprises a microphone), and (3) convertthe analog signal to a networked compliant digital signal that iscompatible with at least one type of network protocol. In oneembodiment, the adapter 100 is configured to support and accommodate anytype of network protocol.

A networking device 200 may receive the networked compliant digitalsignal outputted by the adapter 100 via a standard network cable 210(e.g., a CAT5 cable). Specifically, the adapter 100 further comprises anoutput connector 150 (FIG. 2) that is mateable with a standard networkcable 210 that transmits networked compliant digital signals outputtedby the adapter 100 to the networking device 200. The networking device200 may distribute the networked compliant digital signals to one ormore media equipment 220 (FIG. 5) in a delivery chain (e.g., one or moreaudio mixers in an audio delivery chain). In one embodiment, thenetworking device 200 comprises a network switch 200A (FIG. 4).

The adapter 100 provides a multi-functional platform that enablesflexible, efficient, and optimized networked communication performance.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example networked media adapter 100 in detail, inaccordance with one embodiment. A networked media adapter 100 comprisesat least one of the following components: (1) a releasably mateableinput connector 110, (2) an amplifier 120, (3) an analog-to-digital(A/D) converter 130, (4) a network interface unit 140, (5) an outputconnector 150, and (6) a power unit 160.

The input connector 110 is directly mateable with an output connector 51of a media device 50. In one embodiment, the input connector 110comprises a plug connector that is directly mateable with a receptacleconnector (e.g., a mating socket, etc.). For example, the inputconnector 110 may be a XLR connector. In another embodiment, the inputconnector 110 comprises another type of connector (e.g., fasteners likescrews, snaps, treads, or any other temporary mechanical or magneticconnections).

The power unit 160 is configured to supply power to a media device 50that the input connector 110 is mated with.

The amplifier 120 is configured to: (1) receive, via the input connector110, an analog signal from a media device 50 that the input connector110 is mated with, and (2) amplify the analog signal received.

The A/D converter 130 is configured to: (1) receive, from the amplifier120, a resulting amplified analog signal, and (2) convert the amplifiedanalog signal to a digital signal.

The network interface unit 140 is configured to: (1) receive, from theA/D converter 130, a resulting digital signal, and (2) prepare andconvert the digital signal into a networked compliant digital signalthat is compatible with at least one type of network protocol.

The output connector 150 is directly mateable with a standard networkcable 210 that transmits networked compliant digital signals outputtedby the adapter 100 to a networking device 200. In one embodiment, theoutput connector 150 comprises a receptacle connector (e.g., a matingsocket, etc.) that is directly mateable with a plug connector. Forexample, the output connector 150 may be a RJ45 connector. In anotherembodiment, the output connector 150 comprises another type ofconnector.

In one embodiment, the adapter 100 further comprises one or moreinput/output (I/O) modules 170. Examples of I/O modules 170 include, butare not limited to, a keypad, a button, a switch, a touch screen, adisplay screen, etc. A user may interact with an I/O module 170 (e.g.,user selection of a button, user interaction with a switch, a touchscreen, etc.) to provide input to the adapter 100.

In one embodiment, the adapter 100 further comprises a memory unit 180for maintaining data, such as preferred user settings, default settings,etc.

In one embodiment, the network interface unit 140 is configured todetermine a correct/desired type of network protocol that the networkedcompliant digital signal must be compatible with. In one embodiment, thenetwork interface unit 140 determines a correct/desired type of networkprotocol based on one of the following: (1) user selection of aparticular network protocol configuration, (2) automatic self-discovery,or (3) a build configuration.

In one embodiment, a user may interact with an I/O module 170 tospecify/select a particular network protocol configuration from a set ofdifferent network protocol configurations.

In one embodiment, the network interface unit 140 is configured toinitiate/trigger automatic self-discovery of a correct/desired type ofnetwork protocol when the output connector 150 mates with a standardnetwork cable 210.

In one embodiment, the build configuration may be adjusted by replacingor exchanging some circuitry within the adapter 100, therebyfacilitating different types of network protocols.

In one embodiment, the network interface unit 140 is configured toarbitrate and provide one or more adjusted operational conditionscompatible/appropriate for a correct/desired type of network protocol.For example, the adjusted operational conditions may include, but arenot limited to, at least one of the following: a clock synchronizationsignal, signal/circuit conditioning, noise conditioning, impedanceconditioning, etc. The network interface unit 140 generates a networkedcompliant digital signal based on one or more adjusted operationalconditions compatible/appropriate for the correct/desired type ofnetwork protocol.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example plug-on networked audio adapter 100A, inaccordance with one embodiment. In one embodiment, a networked mediaadapter 100 is implemented as a plug-on networked audio adapter 100A.The audio adapter 100A is directly mateable with a professional audiodevice/system, such as a microphone 50A. For example, as shown in FIG.3, the audio adapter 100A comprises a releasably mateable plug connector110A that is directly mateable with a receptacle connector 51A of themicrophone 50A.

When the audio adapter 100A is mated with the microphone 50A, the audioadapter 100A supplies power to the microphone 50A to power on themicrophone 50A. When the microphone 50A is in operation, the audioadapter 100A receives an analog microphone level signal (“mic levelsignal”) from the microphone 50A, and converts the mic level signalreceived to a networked compliant digital audio signal that iscompatible with at least one type of audio network protocol. The audioadapter 100A is configured to support and accommodate any type of audionetwork protocol.

The audio adapter 100A comprises a receptacle connector 150A (FIG. 4)that is mateable with a standard network cable 210 (e.g., a CAT5 cable).For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the receptacle connector 150A ismateable with a first jack connector 210A located at a first end of thenetwork cable 210. The network cable 210 transmits networked compliantdigital audio signals outputted by the audio adapter 100A to one or morecomponents included on a network. For example, a second jack connector210B located at a second end of the network cable 210 may be mateablewith an input connector of a network switch 200A (FIG. 4) thatdistributes the networked compliant digital audio signals to at leastone audio equipment (e.g., an audio mixer) in an audio delivery chain.

The audio adapter 100A provides a multi-functional platform that enablesflexible, efficient, and optimized networked audio performance.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example plug-on networked audio adapter 100A indetail, in accordance with one embodiment. A plug-on networked audioadapter 100A comprises at least one of the following components: (1) areleasably mateable plug connector 110A, (2) an analog audio amplifier120A, (3) an A/D converter 130A, (4) a network interface unit 140A, and(5) a receptacle connector 150A. The audio adapter 100A furthercomprises one or more additional components not shown, such as a powerunit for supplying power to a professional audio device/system matedwith the audio adapter 100A.

The plug connector 110A is directly mateable with a receptacle connector51A of a professional audio device/system, such as a microphone 50A. Inone embodiment, the plug connector 110A may be a XLR connector. Inanother embodiment, the plug connector 110A comprises another type ofconnector.

The audio amplifier 120A is configured to: (1) receive, via the plugconnector 110A, an analog audio signal from a professional audiodevice/system that the plug connector 110A is mated with, such as a miclevel signal from a microphone 50A, and (2) amplify the analog signalreceived.

The A/D converter 130A is configured to: (1) receive, from the analogaudio amplifier 120A, a resulting amplified analog audio signal, such asa resulting amplified mic level signal, and (2) convert the amplifiedanalog audio signal to a digital audio signal.

The network interface unit 140A is configured to: (1) receive, from theA/D converter 130A, a resulting digital audio signal, and (2) prepareand convert the digital audio signal into a networked compliant digitalaudio signal that is compatible with at least one type of audio networkprotocol.

The receptacle connector 150A is directly mateable with a standardnetwork cable 210 that transmits networked compliant digital audiosignals outputted by the audio adapter 100A to one or more components ona network. In one embodiment, the receptacle connector 150A comprises anRJ45 connector, and each jack connector 210A, 210B of the standardnetwork cable 210 comprises a RJ45 jack. In another embodiment, thereceptacle connector 150A comprises another type of connector, and eachjack connector 210A, 210B of the standard network cable 210 comprisesanother type of jack connector.

For expository purposes, the term “networked media device” as usedherein refers to a media device 50 mated with a networked media adapter100, enabling the media device 50 to operate directly with one or moremedia equipment 220 on a network (e.g., on a delivery chain) via anytype of network protocol.

A networked media adapter 100 enables a networked media device 50 tooperate directly with at least one media equipment 220 on a network bysupplying a networked compliant digital signal to the at least one mediaequipment. The adapter 100 allows generation of a networked compliantdigital signal that is as close as possible to an original source (i.e.,the networked media device 50) in a delivery chain. The adapter 100allows for networked compliant digital signals to be provided from afirst point in the delivery chain without the need for breakout boxes.Compared to existing solutions, the adapter 100 is more cost-effectiveas it removes the need for breakout boxes and analog cables (e.g.,analog microphone cables). Further, unlike existing solutions, theadapter 100 provides improved performance, as analog cables may besubject to unwanted EMI and may limit signal performance.

Further, the adapter 100 allows direct individual control of one or moreperformance characteristics (e.g., pick up pattern or high passfiltering) of the networked media device 50 by any media equipment onthe network.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example network 400 comprising multiple networkedmedia devices 50, in accordance with one embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5,each individual networked media device 50 is mated with its owncorresponding networked media adapter 100. Each networked media device50 on the network 400 may be monitored/seen and individually controlledin a networked configuration. For example, any media equipment 220 onthe network 400 may access and individually control any networked mediadevice 50 on the network 400.

In one embodiment, the network 400 allows bi-directional propagation ofsignals between at least one media equipment 220 on the network 400 andat least one networked media device 50. For example, a many-to-onecorrespondence may be implemented where multiple media equipment 220 onthe network 400 send control signals to one networked media device 50 onthe network 400, and the multiple media equipment 220 receive anetworked compliant digital signal outputted by a networked mediaadapter 100 mated with the networked media device 50. As anotherexample, a one-to-many correspondence may be implemented where multiplenetworked media devices 50 on the network 400 receive control signalsfrom one media equipment 220 on the network 400, and each networkedmedia adapter 100 mated with each of the networked media devices 50sends a corresponding networked compliant digital signal to the mediaequipment 220. The examples provided above illustrate a level ofgranulation and control that was not previously possible/available usingexisting solutions.

In one embodiment, a networked media adapter 100 mated with a networkedmedia device 50 allows for control of the networked media device 50 tooriginate as far away as an end user, if so configured. For example, ifthe networked media device 50 comprises a microphone 50A (FIG. 3), anend user (e.g., a viewer) watching a specific broadcast may reach amicrophone end-point via a “METADATA” interface to allow a betteruser/viewer experience.

In one embodiment, a networked media device 50 may have multiple mediachannels (e.g., multiple audio channels). A networked media adapter 100mated with a networked media device 50 having multiple media channels isconfigured to receive each of the multiple media channels.

For example, assume a networked media device 50 comprises a microphone50A (FIG. 3). The microphone 50A comprises multiple audio channels thatinclude, but are not limited to, the following: (1) a first audiochannel for picking up sounds directly on-axis to a front of themicrophone 50A, (i.e., a “middle channel” for a main “MID” signal), and(2) a second channel for picking up sounds “around” the microphone 50A(i.e., a “mixed side channel” for ambient sound). Assume the microphone50A is positioned in the middle between a first side microphone and asecond side microphone, where the first side microphone is positionedabout 90 degrees clockwise from the middle channel of the microphone50A, and the second side microphone is positioned about 90 degreescounter-clockwise from the middle channel of the microphone 50A. Themixed side channel of the microphone 50A picks up signals from both thefirst side microphone and the second side microphone.

A networked media adapter 100 mated with a networked media device 50having multiple media channels is configured to bi-directionally passone or more of the media channels, enabling one or more end users to“mix” or use one or more of the media channels in accordance with theirpreferences.

For example, assume a microphone 50A having multiple audio channels ison a network that includes the following audio equipment: (1) a firstset of audio equipment associated with a first operator (e.g., atelevision network, such as NBC), and (2) a second set of audioequipment associated with a second operator (e.g., another televisionnetwork, such as CBS). Both operators are able to monitor networkedcompliant digital audio signals outputted by an audio adapter 100A matedto the microphone 50A. All audio channels of the microphone 50A areindividually accessible on the network via the audio adapter 100A. Forexample, the audio adapter 100A may provide a customized audio feed forthe first operator comprising a strong “MID” signal from the middlechannel of the microphone 50A with some ambient sound from the mixedside channel of the microphone 50A. The audio adapter 100A may provide adifferent customized audio feed for the second operator comprising moreambient sound from the mixed “side” channel of the microphone 50Ainstead of a “MID” signal from the middle channel of the microphone 50A(e.g., more ambient sounds associated with reaction of spectatorswatching a golf tournament rather than the sound of a golf ball beinghit/going into a hole). The examples provided above illustrate a levelof individual control and accessibility that was not previouslypossible/available using existing solutions.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of an example process 500 for providing anetworked compliant digital signal, in accordance with one embodiment.In process block 501, directly mate a networked media adapted with amedia device. In process block 502, supply power to the device using theadapter. In process block 503, receive an analog signal from the device.In process block 504, amplify the analog signal. In process block 505,convert the analog signal to a digital signal. In process block 506,convert the digital signal to a networked compliant digital signal. Inprocess block 507, output the networked compliant digital signal fortransmission via a standard network cable.

In one embodiment, process blocks 501-507 may be performed utilizing anetworked media adapter 100.

FIG. 7 is a high-level block diagram showing an information processingsystem comprising a computer system 600 useful for implementing thedisclosed embodiments. The computer system 600 includes one or moreprocessors 601, and can further include an electronic display device 602(for displaying video, graphics, text, and other data), a main memory603 (e.g., random access memory (RAM)), storage device 604 (e.g., harddisk drive), removable storage device 605 (e.g., removable storagedrive, removable memory module, a magnetic tape drive, optical diskdrive, computer readable medium having stored therein computer softwareand/or data), user interface device 606 (e.g., keyboard, touch screen,keypad, pointing device), and a communication interface 607 (e.g.,modem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet card), a communicationsport, or a PCMCIA slot and card). The main memory 603 may storeinstructions that when executed by the one or more processors 601 causethe one or more processors 601 to perform one or more process blocks ofthe process 500.

The communication interface 607 allows software and data to betransferred between the computer system and external devices. The system600 further includes a communications infrastructure 608 (e.g., acommunications bus, cross-over bar, or network) to which theaforementioned devices/modules 601 through 607 are connected.

Information transferred via communications interface 607 may be in theform of signals such as electronic, electromagnetic, optical, or othersignals capable of being received by communications interface 607, via acommunication link that carries signals and may be implemented usingwire or cable, fiber optics, a phone line, a cellular phone link, aradio frequency (RF) link, and/or other communication channels. Computerprogram instructions representing the block diagram and/or flowchartsherein may be loaded onto a computer, programmable data processingapparatus, or processing devices to cause a series of operationsperformed thereon to produce a computer implemented process. In oneembodiment, processing instructions for one or more process blocks ofprocess 500 (FIG. 6) may be stored as program instructions on the memory603, storage device 604 and the removable storage device 605 forexecution by the processor 601.

Embodiments have been described with reference to flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) andcomputer program products. Each block of such illustrations/diagrams, orcombinations thereof, can be implemented by computer programinstructions. The computer program instructions when provided to aprocessor produce a machine, such that the instructions, which executevia the processor create means for implementing the functions/operationsspecified in the flowchart and/or block diagram. Each block in theflowchart/block diagrams may represent a hardware and/or software moduleor logic. In alternative implementations, the functions noted in theblocks may occur out of the order noted in the figures, concurrently,etc.

The terms “computer program medium,” “computer usable medium,” “computerreadable medium”, and “computer program product,” are used to generallyrefer to media such as main memory, secondary memory, removable storagedrive, a hard disk installed in hard disk drive, and signals. Thesecomputer program products are means for providing software to thecomputer system. The computer readable medium allows the computer systemto read data, instructions, messages or message packets, and othercomputer readable information from the computer readable medium. Thecomputer readable medium, for example, may include non-volatile memory,such as a floppy disk, ROM, flash memory, disk drive memory, a CD-ROM,and other permanent storage. It is useful, for example, for transportinginformation, such as data and computer instructions, between computersystems. Computer program instructions may be stored in a computerreadable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable dataprocessing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readablemedium produce an article of manufacture including instructions whichimplement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of theembodiments may be embodied as a system, method or computer programproduct. Accordingly, aspects of the embodiments may take the form of anentirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (includingfirmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodimentcombining software and hardware aspects that may all generally bereferred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.” Furthermore,aspects of the embodiments may take the form of a computer programproduct embodied in one or more computer readable medium(s) havingcomputer readable program code embodied thereon.

Any combination of one or more computer readable medium(s) may beutilized. The computer readable medium may be a computer readablestorage medium. A computer readable storage medium may be, for example,but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic,infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitablecombination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a non-exhaustivelist) of the computer readable storage medium would include thefollowing: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-onlymemory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device,or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of thisdocument, a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible mediumthat can contain, or store a program for use by or in connection with aninstruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of one ormore embodiments may be written in any combination of one or moreprogramming languages, including an object oriented programming languagesuch as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional proceduralprogramming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similarprogramming languages. The program code may execute entirely on theuser's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alonesoftware package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remotecomputer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latterscenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computerthrough any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or awide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an externalcomputer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet ServiceProvider).

Aspects of one or more embodiments are described above with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems) and computer program products. It will be understood that eachblock of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, andcombinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or blockdiagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. Thesecomputer program instructions may be provided to a special purposecomputer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce amachine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor ofthe computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, createmeans for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchartand/or block diagram block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computerreadable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable dataprocessing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readablemedium produce an article of manufacture including instructions whichimplement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer,other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to causea series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, otherprogrammable apparatus or other devices to produce a computerimplemented process such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer or other programmable apparatus provide processes forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or blockdiagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions,which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing thespecified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, thefunctions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in thefigures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, beexecuted substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes beexecuted in the reverse order, depending upon the functionalityinvolved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagramsand/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the blockdiagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by specialpurpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions oracts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computerinstructions.

References in the claims to an element in the singular is not intendedto mean “one and only” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one ormore.” All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of theabove-described exemplary embodiment that are currently known or latercome to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are intended tobe encompassed by the present claims. No claim element herein is to beconstrued under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. section 112, sixthparagraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase“means for” or “step for.”

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Thedescription of the embodiments has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the embodiments in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Though the embodiments have been described with reference to certainversions thereof; however, other versions are possible. Therefore, thespirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to thedescription of the preferred versions contained herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: an input connector,wherein the input connector is directly mateable with a media device toreceive an analog signal; an amplifier configured to amplify the analogsignal; an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter configured to convert theanalog signal to a digital signal; a network interface configured toconvert the digital signal to a networked compliant digital signalcompatible with at least one network protocol; and an output connector,wherein the output connector is mateable with a standard network cablethat transmits the networked compliant digital signal.
 2. The apparatusof claim 1, further comprising: a power unit configured to supply powerto the media device to power on the media device.
 3. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the input connector comprises a plug connector.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the media device comprises a professionalaudio device/system.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein theprofessional audio device/system comprises a microphone.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 5, wherein the analog signal comprises an analogmicrophone level signal.
 7. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the atleast one network protocol comprises an audio network protocol, and thenetworked compliant digital signal comprises a digital audio signalcompliant with the audio network protocol.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the standard network cable comprises a Category 5 cable.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein one or more media channels and one or moreperformance characteristics of the media device are individuallycontrollable and accessible by one or more media equipment on a networkvia the apparatus.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein one or moremedia channels and one or more performance characteristics of the mediadevice are individually controllable and accessible by one or more endusers via the apparatus.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein theapparatus bi-directionally passes one or more media channels of themedia device to provide a customized feed to an end user.
 12. A methodcomprising: at a networked media adapter: receiving an analog signalfrom a media device that is directly mated with an input connector ofthe adapter; amplifying the analog signal; converting the analog signalto a digital signal; converting the digital signal to a networkedcompliant digital signal compatible with at least one network protocol;and outputting the networked compliant digital signal via an outputconnector of the adapter, wherein the output connector is mateable witha standard network cable that transmits the networked compliant digitalsignal.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: at the adapter:supplying power to the media device to power on the media device. 14.The method of claim 12, wherein the input connector comprises a plugconnector.
 15. The method of claim 12, wherein one or more mediachannels and one or more performance characteristics of the media deviceare individually controllable and accessible by one or more mediaequipment on a network via the adapter.
 16. The method of claim 12,wherein one or more media channels and one or more performancecharacteristics of the media device are individually controllable andaccessible by one or more end users via the adapter.
 17. The method ofclaim 16, further comprising: at the adapter: bi-directionally passingone or more media channels of the media device to provide a customizedfeed to an end user.
 18. A network comprising: a plurality of mediadevices; a plurality of plug-on networked media adapters, wherein eachplug-on networked media adapter is directly mated with one media deviceof the network to convert an analog signal from the media device to anetworked compliant digital signal compatible with at least one networkprotocol; and a plurality of media equipment, wherein each mediaequipment receives one or more networked compliant digital signalsoutputted by one or more plug-on networked media adapters of the networkover one or more standard network cables.
 19. The network of claim 18,wherein two or more media equipment of the network send control signalsto a first media device of the network, and the two or more mediaequipment receive a networked compliant digital signal outputted from aplug-on networked media directly mated with the first media device. 20.The network of claim 18, wherein two or more media devices of thenetwork receive control signals from a first media equipment of thenetwork, and, for each of the two or more media devices, a plug-onnetworked media adapter mated with the media device outputs a networkedcompliant digital signal that is transmitted to the first mediaequipment.